La pandemia por COVID-19 y su rol en el estilo de vida de la población estudiante universitaria con una perspectiva de género

The advent of the global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus led to sudden disruptions in the routines and habits of people across the globe. The enforced lockdowns may have significantly altered lifestyles, with work and study schedules, opportunities for leisure, social contact, and outdoor physical activity being disrupted. Given that university students are a target group for health promotion and prevention initiatives, as they are in a period of lifestyle consolidation, it becomes necessary to analyze in detail how the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected their lifestyles and the development of anxiety-depressive symptoms, fear, or concern about this coronavirus. The pandemic was found to have had a negative effect on the health status and perceived quality of life of university students, as well as on their sleep quality, tobacco use, and other substance use. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of the sample exhibited elevated levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, along with notable distress. Conversely, they also engaged in greater physical activity, adopted a somewhat healthier diet, and consumed less alcohol during this period. It is therefore evident that the impact of the pandemic on the lifestyles of this population is significant.